I’ve been a little sad about the lack of fall color in my neck of the woods this year. Last year was spectacular, but this year just hasn’t packed much of a punch. So I was surprised when I walked out this morning and this was my view out the window:
On a sunny day, it all still looks green. But there was a storm moving in and it was really dark outside. Against the darkness, the color stood out in stark relief. It was beautiful.
Really, isn’t that the way of it? On our darkest days, it seems that the things most precious somehow come to the forefront. Job loss? You see, right away, what you really need and what you don’t. Troubling diagnosis? You suddenly view each day as the gift it is, and choose how you can spend each moment more wisely. We realize that the stuff we spend our life on is just that: stuff. There is beauty to be found in the darkness because it opens our eyes to the brilliant color of what’s really important.
Yesterday, I posted about Brittany Maynard’s decision to end her life on her own terms. It got more hits than any post I’ve ever written in seven years. It was a dark, controversial topic, and it spurred a lot of interesting conversation. It could’ve gone south very quickly, but the conversation remained thoughtful and respectful between widely varying opinions. Regardless of which side of that decision people were on, there was a common understanding and respect for the fragility of life.
The color stood out in stark relief in the midst of a dark day, and it was a thing of beauty.
When the darkness closes in, open your eyes to see what is suddenly in the forefront. I promise you that all will be beautiful there.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 ESV